Functionalists

Functionalists (1)

Functionalists argue that the early ethnic differences experiences by immigrants were the product of their cultural difference and relatively low levels of skill. 

Therefore, functionalists are hopeful that in a meritocratic society, ethnic inequalities would decline as immigrants adopted the norms and values of mainstream society and climbed their way up the career ladder. 

Pattersons host immigration model (1)

Patterson said that until the 1950’s, Britain was a stable homogenous and orderly society with a shared consensus over norms and values.  

EXAMPLES: 

• Social conformity - this included the fact that mainstream society held rigid, conservative views regarding sexuality and race

• Emphasis on strict divisions between genders and the nuclear family

Pattersons host immigration model (2)

However, functionalists would say this equilibrium was disrupted by the arrival of immigrants in the 1950’s who subscribed to a very different set of norms and values.  

Patterson said this resulted in a culture clash between the immigrants and the host community. She said this was not racism but that hosts were just unsure how to act. 

Pattersons host immigration model (3)

But there ARE three causes of inequality:

Patterson identifies three things contributing to ethnic inequality:

1. Fear of cultural difference/social change  
   The host population becomes anxious about unfamiliar cultural norms. 

2. Resentment over competition for scarce resources  
   For example, jobs and housing. 

3. Failure to assimilate  
   - If immigrants retain their distinctive cultural norms and values rather than adopting those of the host society, this can supposedly maintain hostility/inequality.

Evidence (1)

Powell’s 1968 ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech illustrates how political rhetoric could amplify public anxiety about immigration and contribute to hostility toward minorities.

• Wood et al: discrimination in favour of white names over equivalent applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups = 29%

Evaluation of functionalism (1)

The model can be criticised as ethnocentric: it treats majority British culture as the norm and minority cultures as a problem to be overcome.

It risks blaming minority groups for racism by implying that tension occurs because immigrants do not assimilate. ( naive to assume that all ethnic minority groups assimilate into 'British culture’)

Evaluation of functionalism (2)

It is overly optimistic if it assumes prejudice naturally fades over time. Qualified and culturally integrated minorities can still face discrimination.  

The framework assumes prejudice is just a temporary result of post-war "ignorance" or "fear of strangers" that will naturally fade over time as assimilation increases, which failed to reflect the long-term persistence of racial inequality.